Friday, 30 March 2012

Although most of my time has been taken up with University assignment commitments I have managed to squeeze out now and then for some birding. Has been mainly based over the dales where I have been spending some time enjoying the Goshawks. Its hard to say how many I have seen for certain but I have definitely seen at least 4 different birds but perhaps 5, one male is particularly regular in one spot and is generally very fierce. I've watched him attempting to kill a Woodpigeon and seen him see of a large female Sparrowhawk with ease. He performed superbly today when he fanned his undertail coverts out and became a diamond shape with his slow rowing wing action. Superb and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. The female Goshawk I have seen is more than mighty impressive, it is certainly the biggest one I have seen. Also today it was good to seea bird I haven't seen in Durham for just under 2 years; Green Woodpecker. Heard 3 birds and one showed well in perfect conditions, cracking views. I think I've always had a soft spot for Green Woodpecker. Another notable highlight would have to be the male and female Ring Ouzel I saw today, best views I have had of the species to date on a calm and peaceful sunny afternoon.

However my highlight has to be the Osprey, which I found today at around 09.45 am which caused much panic amongst the local birds. I picked up the bird soaring over Hamsterley Forest and was half surprised to see it, while at the same time half expecting I might see one as its always a good time of year to look for a passing Osprey.

Thursday, 29 March 2012

John Bridges sent me these shots of what he believed to be a Goshawk, he was most certainly right! And a stunning Goshawk at that, due to the sensitivity of the species in Durham I have kept the location a secret. It's very easy to age this bird, Sparrowhawks at all ages show barring in the underparts, however in Goshawk only the adults show barring on the breast. It is clear to see from these photos the bird is obviously streaked. It is of course hard to sex the bird but it does seem small so I would say a juvenile male. Any thoughts on sex please comment below.

Monday, 12 March 2012

It was such a beautiful afternoon that I went out for a few hours and I decided that a look around Teesside would be the best thing to do for a few hours. My two targets were the Glossy Ibis and the Green-winged Teal, I first tried for the Glossy Ibis. A short walk to Haverton viewpoint and a brief wait provided some good if not a little distant views of the Glossy Ibis. Not having my scope really made me appreciate how much I miss it, hope it is back from repair soon.

After my success with the Glossy Ibis I decided to try from the top car park and see if I could see the Green-winged Teal, every bird was very distant and drew a blank. I therefore headed down to the TBC hide and after a short wait I was able to see the Green-winged Teal fairly well both on deck and in flight. Pretty good views through the bins so I was more than happy.

Saturday, 10 March 2012

Been very busy these past few weeks and hence why I have not added anything to my blog for a while. I have mainly been pottering about here and there, however today I tried for my second attempt to see the Hawfinches in Wolsingham. The birds are best viewed from Durham Bird Club members Mike Passant's garden, knowing Mike he kindly allowed me to stand in his garden on both occasions and look for the Hawfinches. Not only did I see the bird today on my second attempt but also a bit of breakfast (thanks again Mike - very kind). The weather was fairly favorable and a short while after 7.35ish I picked up a bird landing in a distant tree, I quickly got Mike's scope onto it and it lifted its head; "I've got one!". The bird took off shortly after this and it became clear there were actually 2 birds! They flew towards us and landed in a tree just outside of Mike's garden and performed superbly briefly in superb light and really close! They then took off and disappeared for a short while before reappearing when they flew in front of us giving flight views, they then perched up briefly in the hedgerow before flying off and not to be seen again. Superb! Was extremely happy and a county tick I didn't expect to get anytime soon.

To go with this post here are some shots I've taken recently, just a couple of my favourites.